Wing Chun is a method of combat embedded in traditions of Chinese martial arts that we normally refer to by the generic term: Kung Fu.
While it is a plain and uncluttered art, it is also highly refined and well thought out. Learning Wing Chun techniques is not difficult for it is suited for everyone, but its mastery demands a great deal of determination, persistence along with constant practice.
Brief Historical Origins
The history surrounding the appearance of Wing Chun is obscure and tainted with legends. Very few written documents divulge its origin which descends from a period in time where oral traditions were necessary. Consequently, we do not know of any facts that can refute or support the accuracy of the legends concerning the advent of Wing Chun; therefore, any school that descends from the lineage of Wing Chun is free to interpret its history as they wish without decreasing the integrity of the art it teaches.
Nevertheless, the majority of schools agree with the belief that Wing Chun probably appears during the XVII century and that it inherited its kung fu origins from a Shaolin temple in the south of China. We generally accredit the invention of Wing Chun to Ng Mui, a nun who left the Shaolin temple to escape its destruction or to Yim Wing Chun, the disciple of Ng Mui who gave her name to the style. The norms of the history are that the manifestation of Wing Chun comes from what can be called the Diaspora of Kung Fu and that Wing Chun is one of the rare arts that is founded by a woman.
Principle and Philosophy
The Basics of Wing Chun are based on the 5 animals of Shaolin Kung Fu; the Tiger, the Leopard, the Crane, the Dragon and the Snake all represent individual attitudes, philosophies and distinctive combat styles. Wing Chun became in a way a synthesis and refined art of these 5 animal forms, with a little more accent on the form of the Tiger, the Crane and the Snake.
Wing Chun is a martial art that is more defensive than offensive, with blocking techniques and counter attacks merely focused on the body’s center line. In a fight, the practitioner adopts the philosophy of «economy of movement» or «economy of energy», meaning all movements that are futile or superfluous will result in a loss of energy. In addition, it would be improper to use excessive force against an adversary who represents a minor threat. Wing Chun embodies the sufficient and the necessary.